Safety of Combining Facial Lifting With Suspension Threads and Microfocused Ultrasound With Visualization

Suspension threads are used to lift lax facial skin; however, there is concern about the safety of combining suspension threads with microfocused ultrasound (MFU) as it may change the structure and integrity of suspension threads or cause an inflammatory response. The objective of this study was to assess the safety of combining suspension threads with MFU in the face and neck. The structure and integrity of suspension threads was tested in an ex vivo animal model, an in vitro hot water bath and clinically in a human subject. Safety and subject satisfaction was assessed in a retrospective study. The structure and integrity of poly-L-lactic acid, polyethylene and polyamide threads was confirmed in an in vitro hot water bath and exposure to MFU in an ex vivo animal model. Clinically, exposure of poly-L-lactic acid threads to MFU resulted in greater neocollagenesis after 3 months compared to MFU alone. Among subjects treated with combined procedures (N=48), Aging Face Scale scores were significantly decreased after 90 days (P<0.001) and overall Satisfaction Scale scores were significantly increased after 90 days and 1 year (for each, P<0.001). There were no unexpected adverse events. Combining suspension threads with MFU is safe and results in greater efficacy by increasing neocollagenesis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(4):367-370. doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.4771.